Bengaluru. 06 December 2022. In honor of the International Day of Disabled Persons, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru (BLR Airport) launched two cafes run by persons with disabilities to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons.
The eateries are operated by the non-profit, Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation which runs 25 cafes across India by employing differently-abled people. Located within the airport premises, the cafes are open 24/7 and have Braille instructions, sign language interpreters, placards, and ramps. The cafes were inaugurated by Hari Marar, MD & CEO, BIAL, in the presence of many senior officials of Kempegowda International Airport and other well-wishers.
Hari Marar, MD and CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said, “We are delighted to have Mitti Cafe open two outlets at BLR Airport, and to have the opportunity to leverage the power of a platform like that of an international airport to provide employment opportunities to those who are disadvantaged, and spread a message of hope and positivity. It’s very inspirational to see how Mitti Cafe has created such an amazing concept of inclusive stores that is genuinely empowering and is a catalyst for social change. This concept and approach to business deeply resonate with our commitment to inclusivity. This is just the beginning of a wonderful partnership and we are looking at a long-term association.”
Alina Alam, CEO and Founder, Mitti Café, said, “To be able to run not one but two Cafes by adults with disabilities at the Kempegowda International Airport is a dream come true for us. We are thankful to the airport authorities, our sponsors, and other supporters who have made today a reality. The launch of our two Cafes in such a public space as an airport will help send a strong message of inclusion to the public at large and sensitise them to the lives of persons with disabilities. We are extremely excited too about the economic and social opportunities the two Cafes present to our staff, for many of whom this is their first job. It is befitting that we are launching our two airport cafes on December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day that raises awareness and understanding of disability issues and mobilises support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.”
